Recycling- CompostZespół Szkół z

Oddziałami Integracyjnymi im. J. Korczaka

w Smólniku

Poland

Recycling - one of comprehensive methods of environmental protection. Its aim is to reduce consumption of natural resources and reduce waste.

Recycling

CompostingComposting (organic recycling) - a natural method of disposal and waste management, involving the decomposition of organic matter by micro-organisms - aerobic bacteria, nematodes, etc.. It is the processing of the substance under controlled conditions in the presence of oxygen (air) at a suitable temperature and humidity.

The purpose of building a system of composting is to provide a healthy and nutrient-rich living environment for bacteria. The fastest composting occurs when the ratio of carbon to nitrogen in the environment is 25:1 - 30:1. For example, cut grass, this is a ratio of 19:1 and autumn leaves - 55:1. Mixing these two ingredients in equal proportions gives a ratio of nutrients. In industrial composting observe this relationship quite closely, in the case of household composting is too complicated and easier to apply more recipes.

Purpose of composting

Types of compostingBackyard composting — If you have a yard and a balance of browns (fallen leaves or straw) and greens (grass clippings and food scraps), you have all you need to make compost. Worm composting (vermicomposting) — If you have a tiny yard or live in an apartment or have an abundance of food scraps, this type of composting is for you.

Grasscycling If you have grass clippings and don't want to use them in a compost pile you can leave them on the lawn to decompose.

10 good reasons why you should compost:

1.Yard and food waste make up 30% of the waste stream. Composting your kitchen and yard trimmings helps divert that waste from the landfill, waterways and water treatment facilities. 2.You will significantly reduce pest problems–and your use of pesticides. 3.Healthy plants from healthy soil look better, produce better and have a much greater ability to fight off pests and diseases. 4.Adding organic materials to the soil improves moisture retention.

5. Adding decomposed organic material to the soil feeds beneficial organisms.

6. Compost amends both sandy and clay soils.

7. Compost provides a balanced, slow– release source of nutrients that helps the soil hold nutrients long enough for plants to use them.

8. Composting saves money–you avoid the cost of buying soil conditioners,

bagged manure etc. 9. Feeding your plants well will improve your

own diet. Plants grown in depleted soils have a reduced nutrient content.

10. Home composting is a valuable tool in educating children about nature and the cycle of life.

Backyard CompostingBasics

Nature has been composting since the beginning of the earth. All organic matter eventually breaks down. Composting in your backyard uses the same principles that nature uses - we just try to speed it up by creating an environment that supports microbial activity. The elements necessary to promote this environment are: - Air - Moisture - Organic matter - Carbon to nitrogen ratio - Temperature - Volume

Compost IngredientsGreens = good sources of nitrogen

Grass clippings mix well so they do not pack down

Coffee grounds include filter

Fruit  

Vegetables all vegetables & peelings

Egg shells adds calcium

Manure from herbivores

i.e., horse, cow, rabbit. Do not use if animal is sick

Tea bags  

Hairhuman or animal, may be slow to degrade

Grains  

Feathers  

Blood meal extremely rich in nitrogen

Browns = good sources of carbon

Leaves improved aeration

Straw a good source of bulky material

Sawdust must be from untreated wood

Newspaper  

Yard waste best cut to sizes 2" or less

Paperboardi.e., cereal boxes, paper plates and napkins, break into small pieces

Dried grasses good source of carbon

Wood ash must be from untreated wood

Diseased plantsdisease can spread if pile does not get hot enough

Weeds with seeds

or weeds that can sprout from bits of root. Seeds or bits of root may survive and sprout in garden if compost doesn't get hot enough to kill them.

Dog or cat fecesmay carry parasites and diseases that infect humans

Toxic chemicals (pesticides, etc.)

will harm or kill beneficial soil life

Charcoal (briquettes)

will not break down in compost

Fats, oils, grease

attracts animals and keep anything they coat from breaking down

Meat scraps, bones, cheese

slow to break down, smells bad and attracts animals

Treated logs contains high amount of chemicals

TroubleshootingProblem Possible Causes Solution

Odors May be too wet or may have too much green (nitrogen) or clumps of green

Turn your pile. Too much moisture can create odor problems and slow the composting process. Turn the pile and add dry browns i.e., leaves, sawdust, straw or newspaper.

Flies Exposed food Fruit flies are attracted to food scraps that are exposed on top of a pile. Always put your food waste in the middle of the pile and bury it into a few inches of brown material i.e., leaves or shredded newspaper.

Pile will not heat up Pile is too small

Pile is too dry

Lack of greens (nitrogen)

Add more material

Add water and turn

Add grass clippings, manure or food scraps

Pests i.e. raccoons, rats Exposed food especially meat, poultry, fish or fatty scraps

Turn pile to increase temperature or cover food with leaves, sawdust or soil. Always bury food a few inches down in the center of the pile.

Keep all lids fastened or weighted down.

Line the bottom of the bin with a small mesh wire if you suspect rodents are entering through the bottom.

Thank you for your attention

Alicja Proszkiewicz IIaPatrycja Stasińska IIaBrajan Szadkowski IIb